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2h ago

Kings Fire Jim Hiller, Name D.J. Smith Interim Head Coach

GM Ken Holland cast the change as a late-season jolt to revive a team three points out of a wild-card spot.

Mar 27, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings head coach Jim Hiller in the first period against the Los Angeles Kings at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Mar 27, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings assistant coach D.J. Smith gestures in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • D.J. Smith takes over for the rest of the season, with player development coach Matt Greene promoted to assistant on the bench.
  • The move follows a slide of five losses in six games and an 8-1 defeat to Edmonton that drew "Fire Hiller" chants from home fans.
  • Los Angeles is 24-21-14 (62 points), sitting three points back of the final Western Conference wild-card with the trade deadline less than a week away.
  • Jim Hiller departs with a 93-58-24 record over 175 games and two playoff appearances without a series win.
  • Offensive struggles persist despite the Artemi Panarin acquisition, with Kevin Fiala out for the season from an Olympic injury and the Kings ranking 29th in goals per game.